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This is a collaborative post. All opinions are my own.
If there's one piece of furniture that can make or break your family room or living room, it would be your couch. It’s likely the most comfortable spot in the room. It’s where you watch TV shows, bond with your kids, and entertain guests. It takes up a lot of space in the room and will probably be the anchor piece that dictates how the rest of the room is arranged. Because of its high-traffic nature, your couch also needs to be strong and durable to withstand damage. For all those reasons and more, couches can get expensive (the average sofa costs between $1,000 to $2,000). That's a pretty major furniture investment! Luckily, if you choose well, a good quality sofa can last for more than a decade. That's why this is one furniture purchase that you don't want to rush.
To start off your sofa shopping, you should review the best sofa brands. Some will probably align with your style preferences more than others. Style is a legitimate way to narrow down your choices, but you should also consider some objective factors to determine the quality and long-term comfort of any sofas you're considering. Taking the time to get this right will help you find a great sofa that can last you for years.
Tips for Buying a Great Couch
1. Check the size
Probably the number one mistake people make is choosing a sofa that's comfortable in the store...then getting it home and realizing it's too big (or too small) for the room. Make sure to measure carefully before you purchase anything. I like to use painters tape on the floor to check the sofa's dimensions in the space it will actually be in. You can also mock up a "sofa" with boxes and see if it feels like the right proportions. Also consider the length and depth. If you like laying on the couch, check that it's long enough to accommodate a comfortable sleeping position. As for depth, the back of the sofa should support your back and allow you sit with your feet on the floor (generally, taller people will want a deeper sofa).
2. Check the frame
The frame is what holds your couch together. It should be strong and solid if you want it to withstand lots of butts collapsing onto the couch (and in my household, children jumping on it). Cheap couches are usually framed with materials like plastic, particleboard, or metal. Instead, you'll want to look for a couch that uses a solid, kiln-dried hardwood frame. You'll also want to check that the legs are screwed on and not just glued. Twisting, warping, creaking, or wobbling are all signs of poor quality construction.
3. Check the padding
Adequate padding is what makes your couch comfortable to sit on. Feel all the corners of the couch and see if they are well-padded. You should not be able to feel the edge of the frame. If you can, it could mean that the padding will wear down quickly, making it uncomfortable in the long run.
4. Check the cushions
Your seat cushions should fit perfectly within the couch’s frame and there should be a balance between firmness and softness. If the couch is too soft, it may end up getting flattened over time. If it’s too firm, it won't have that sink-into-it comfort. Look for a cushion that feels comfortable when you sit down, but regains its shape quickly after you get up.
5. Check the arms
This is especially important if you have kids in the house who may sit, stand, or jump off the arms (I'm looking you, Ian and Emmett). If you want your couch to stand the test of time, check that the arms are tight and solid without any wobble.
6. Check the upholstery
Again, this is essential if you have kids (or pets). Look for fabrics that will be more durable, stain-resistant, and easy to clean. Leather couches are a good bet. Slipcovered sofas are also easier to keep clean since you can throw the slipcover in the wash as needed. There are also some performance fabrics that are made to withstand wear and tear. It's a good idea to get some fabric swatches ahead of time, and test out stain removal on those swatches before you make your final decision.
If you're considering a sofa from an online retailer, I also wrote a post a couple years ago with some tips for buying a sofa online...it's all about knowing what to look for!
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Indeed, a couch is the key factor when it comes to enhancing the looks of your living room! And, thanks for sharing these valuable tips for buying a great couch. I hope this post will help people to choose the right couch for them.
thanks for sharing that great tips for buying a sofa . nice information.. keep it up guys!!